Silly Eagle Books: book hunting: this week's thrifty finds!

As you know, one of my favorite things to do is go to thrift stores and find great books for cheap. Even though we go to the library weekly to get a new supply of books, our habit requires so much more. (We are addicts, people.)

Our home library is fairly extensive at this point, but we read so much that we get tired of reading the same books over and over again. (And, I just like buying books.) To keep things fresh, I try to pick up a few good books every other week to add to our home library.

This week I stopped by a local baby thrift store that usually has a good selection of books. The books are all $1 each (cheaper than goodwill), so our budget goes far there. Here is what I found:

Never Talk to Strangers by Irma Joyce, Illustrated by George Buckett

This is a childhood favorite of mine. We actually already own a copy that Juliet loves to read, but this one was in better condition, so I thought I would pick it up since it was only $1.

It has gorgeous illustrations--suitable for framing and using as decor for a child's room. Maybe that's what I'll do with my extra copy. I love this little girl's outfit and her arms are loaded with books. Perfect for Juliet's room.

My parents say this was my favorite book when I was Juliet's age (2). Evidently, my deliberative personality really liked a book that promoted my safety-first mentality. Never Talk to Strangers! And especially not that creepy rabbit in the window! (It's the Easter Bunny, by the way. Turns out you're allowed to talk to him if he stops by--he's not a stranger "because everyone knows him."

Around the Year by Tasha Tudor

We checked this one out from our local library several months ago and fell in love with the illustrations. She also has an ABC book called A is for Annabelle: A Doll's Alphabet that we really love.

She has a beautiful quality to her work. This book details the months of the year--this is May.

And this, of course, is October. This is hardcover book with a suggested retail price of $17 listed on the cover. It is in excellent condition and I only paid $1! (Can you tell I'm excited?)

Cindy Lou and the Witch's Dog by Jack Kent

Having just recently "discovered" Jack Kent's There's No Such Thing as a Dragon, (one I remember from my childhood) I was thrilled to find another one of his books. I know nothing about it, but have high expectations.

This picture alone makes me excited to read it. Look at all those cats in the tree!

A New Dress for Maya by Malorie Blackman, Illustrated by Rhian Nest James

I picked this up for its beautiful watercolor illustrations. Plus, I always like a story about a little girl.

Maya is invited to a birthday party and she wants a new store-bought dress. But her mother makes her one by hand instead. Isn't it gorgeous? She is not happy, though.

She pouts all the way to the party, right past the beautiful dress of her dreams.

When she gets to the party, it turns out all the other girls are wearing the same dress, the one she wanted so badly. Everyone thinks Maya's is the prettiest. Turns out Mama was right after all. I think Juliet will like this one for it's birthday party theme. The kid is wild about birthday parties.

Don't Wake the Animals Illustrated by Peter Barrett

This is a really fun lift-the-flap board book. It would be great to read with babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. There is enough text to make it interesting to the older ones and the flaps are appealing to a wide range of ages.

Look at these cute beavers in their den. I like how it teaches about animal homes. Juliet will love it.

Here's the bear. I should mention that we have several other peek-a-boo board books from this series. They are called Lift-and-Peek-A-Board books by Random House. Peek-A-Boo Puppy is probably our favorite.

The Bunny Book by Richard Scarry

As I opened this book, I realized I had owned it as a child! (Another one!) So of course, I had to get it. I love Richard Scarry, so I was happy to add it to our collection.

Look at these bunnies. I'm pretty sure we have this many living in our backyard. Even though, they have destroyed my garden countless times, I still think they are cute.